Mrs. Wilkinson dead
Syracusan, famous as hostess, expires at Briar cliff

She and her husband entertained many people at their James Street home -- daughter of Samuel J. May, noted divine and philanthropist

Mrs. Alfred Wilkinson died at 8 a.m. to-day at Briar Cliff on the Hudson, where she was spending the summer with her family. She was taken ill last night and her death was very sudden. She had been in feeble health for several years but her sudden death came as a shock to her family and friends in Syracuse. Mrs. Wilkinson was born in Connecticut in 1833. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Samuel J. May, the noted divine and philanthropist. She came to Syracuse to reside with her parents when a mere child. She was united in marriage to Alfred Wilkinson of this city about sixty years ago, and for many years took a prominent part in the social life of Syracuse and was conspicuous in educational work. She was a devoted worker for May Memorial Church, of which her father was the founder and for whom the church was named. Her husband, Alfred Wilkinson, was a member of the firm of Wilkinson Brothers, bankers for many years whose banking house was located in the Globe block, corner of Salina and Washington streets. Mr. Wilkinson was a warm personal friend of the late Samuel J. Tilden, who was a guest at his home on James street hill the night that Mr. Tilden was nominated for Governor in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson also entertained in their James street home the famous novelist, Wilkie Collins; John McCullough, the noted tragedian; William Winter, the famous critic of the New York Tribune; Charles Dickens, the great novelist, and other conspicuous literary lights. Alfred Wilkinson died in 1887 and since his death Mrs. Wilkinson had resided in Syracuse until six years ago when she removed to New York to reside with her sons, who are engaged in business in that city. Mrs. Wilkinson leaves two sons, Alfred and Henry W. of New York city, and four daughters, Mrs. Philip Wilson of Detroit and Marion, Josephine May and Catherine Wilkinson of New York city. She also leaves a brother, the Rev. Joseph May of Philadelphia. Burial will be made in Oakwood in the family lot.
Mrs. Wilkinson was a highly cultured and educated woman whose refinement, affability and gentleness were marked attributes. She was held in the highest esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances and was greatly endeared to her relatives and personal friends.

Syracuse Herald August 3, 1909 page 6